Maramagambo forest is an ironwood dominated tropical rainforest located in the popular Queen Elizabeth conservation area.
The name “Maramagambo” originates from a local phrase “short of words“. This was coined from a folktale of a group of locals who lost their way in the thick forest and it took them a while to figure out their way back into the village. On find their way back into the village, they each were lost for words hence the word “Maramagabo” literally to Mean ” short of words”
Maramgambo forest is bordered by two (02) crater lakes named Lake Kyasanduka and Lake Nyamasingiri is known for its bat-filled cave that also doubles up as a haven for well-sized bat eating pythons.
Though considered off-the-beaten-track, the few travellers that visit the maramagambo forest are often left in awe. The forest cover is lush the nature walks are authentically less crowded, and the bird & wildlife is amazing.
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN MARAMAGAMBO FOREST
Visit the Bat Cave in Maramagambo Forest
There are several caves within Maramagambo forest that are home to millions of fruitbats. The negative media coverage resulting from the 2008 Marburg Virus issue forced the park to work with the prominent Center for disease control – CDC to build a safe viewing platform. From the viewing point, visitors can actually spot African rock pythons feeding on the resident fruit-bats. Going too close to the bat caves is prohibited and still considered unsafe for tourists for fear that one could catch the Marburg virus, or even risk being attacked by the resident python. Stick to the rules and keep safe.
Birdwatching In Maramagabo Forest
Maramagambo is home to approximately 190 bird species like the forest flycatchers and Rwenzori Turaco, White Naped Pigeon. Other bird species include; African green pigeon, bat hawk, black-headed batis, dark-caped yellow warbler, fawn-breasted wax-bill, red-tailed bristle bill, Ross’s turaco, sulphur-breasted bush shrike and white-naped pigeons.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MARAMAGAMBO FOREST
Maramagambo forest is open to visitors all through the year. Spotting chimpanzees and other primates is ideal during the months between June and September and also between December and February. Anything outside the above mentioned months falls in the rainy season which makes the forest trails muddy/slippery and difficult to navigate.
However, for the bird-lovers, the rainy season is considered ideal for birding in Maramagabo Forest. It’s the breeding season and the forest is full of beautiful sights & sounds of both resident and migratory birds. In the rainy season, there is an abundance of food, and fresh fruits for the birds and other forest-dwelling wildlife. Visitor numbers are few hence affording you a crowd-free private and exclusive time to explore maramagambo forest.
ALTERNATIVE THINGS TO ADD TO MARAMAGAMBO FOREST TRIP
- Chimpanzee Tracking In Kyambura Gorge.
- Experiential Lion Tracking In Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector.
